Replacing my 11-year-old Honda Activa: Should I go electric

I am in a dilemma about whether to go ahead with the Ather 450X or look for a traditional ICE scooter.

BHPian manubg92 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi everyone, I'm currently in the market for a scooter. I have a Dominar 400 which is used for my long rides but I'm in a dire need of a new scooter to replace our > 11-year-old Activa.

I have currently considered the Ather 450x and also booked it. But after going through their own forum, it feels like they have a lot of bugs in the initial 450X models (I don't know if they are resolved now). Now, I'm in a dilemma whether to go ahead with the 450X or go for a traditional ICE scooter. I can't wait for the OLA as I would need a new scooter in the next 2-3 months. Also, I'm sure OLA will have its own bugs/issues to be resolved in the first batch as is evident from test rides.

I'm okay with the range Ather 450X provides as my daily commute is less than 50 km, but I don't want to compromise on the quality of the product. Please suggest if I should go ahead with Ather or should I consider ICE scooters. I'm looking for a fun to ride vehicle and hence haven't considered TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak.

Here's what BHPian aargee had to say about the matter:

Just sharing what we went through with our 15-year-old Activa - we just refurbished it so well (of course got shoddy work in between which was another expense) that it now looks like a brand new Honda Activa.

I think we spent Rs 20K for strip & paint job, then 7K for carb, engine oil, fork bend, fuel meter (this was the job done shoddy), 1.3K for battery, 6K clutch overhaul, fuel meter, carb cleaning, engine oil, brakes, 1.3K for tires & another 1K for FC. All put together some ~38K.

So for 38K, we got a brand new scooter that's good enough for another 2-3 years at least. That should give us some time to breathe, save some money to see if buying an EV is cost-efficient ownership than fossil-fueled scooters or not.

So, if you have a lot of money & want to have some fun, EV makes perfect sense, especially Ather 450X, which is a fantastic EV scooter in the market today.

But if you're like someone like me, trying to find value for what you're paying, then here's a simple calculation to show the ownership cost between fossil-fueled scooters & EVs.

Here's what BHPian Cyborg had to say about the matter:

I would suggest you get a Suzuki Access 125 which is well settled in the market and is fun to ride. Why complicate life with an electric scooter which may or may not suit your needs and possibly be riddled with teething problems. Stick to the tried and tested, keep it simple.

Cheers

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say about the matter:

If you plan on keeping the scooter for even half as long as you have the Activa, then just stay away from electric scooters. Battery degradation means that just like your phone, the capacity and as a result, the range will end up dropping pretty significantly over 3-5 years. The reliance on coal for electricity in India means that if anything you would be doing more harm to the planet.

Pick up something like the Access or the Burgman. I myself am eyeing the Aerox perhaps it might suit you as well.

Here's what BHPian omar had to say about the matter:

Electric is not an option I would recommend unless it can replace the convenience of an ICE scooter. The technology is at a nascent stage and improving every year. It is not a good option in terms of longevity as well. The current Electric tech will be obsolete if you plan to keep it as long as your Activa.

If you want a fun-to-ride scooter, get the Aprilia, Vespa or Aerox.

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